The price increase can be attributed to the United States Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which requires schools to serve more whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, and less sodium.

The healthier foods are more expensive, and Cobb cafeteria revenues have decreased in recent years because the new law restricts the types of foods that can be sold a la carte; both factors contribute to the price increase, the school district said in a statement.

The act also requires paid meal price equity, which means the district must raise meal prices to make up for the amount paid by the federal government for students who qualify for free lunches.

The school district says the price increase for 2012-2013 puts its lunch prices on par with those in the neighboring Fulton and Gwinnett school systems.